Fake fertilizer plant raided in Nueva Ecija

Authorities have shut down an illegal fertilizer manufacturing facility in Nueva Ecija, confiscating nearly P900,000 worth of counterfeit farm inputs, machinery, and vehicles in a crackdown aimed at protecting farmers from substandard agricultural products.

The raid, conducted late Wednesday in Barangay Sta. Monica, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, resulted in the seizure of around 500 bags of illegally manufactured fertilizer, 21 granulator machines, and several delivery trucks. The operation stemmed from information provided by an alleged agent of the illegal operation who was earlier arrested by authorities.

The joint operation involved personnel from the Rizal and Talavera municipal police stations, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit, Regional Special Operations Group 3, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA).

Investigators identified the warehouse owner as Daniel delos Santos, proprietor of Don Fertilizer Manufacturing. Authorities said he failed to present the permits and licenses required to manufacture fertilizer, while verification by the FPA confirmed that the facility was operating without registration.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the operation underscores the government’s campaign against counterfeit farm inputs that undermine agricultural productivity.

“Illegal fertilizers rob farmers of their hard-earned income by reducing yields, undermine our food security, and pose potential risks to public health and the environment. We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure only safe, effective and properly registered agricultural inputs reach our farmers,” Tiu Laurel said.

FPA director Glen Estrada said the agency will continue pursuing manufacturers and traders involved in the production and sale of unregistered fertilizers and pesticides.

“We will relentlessly pursue illicit manufacturers and traders of unregistered and illegally manufactured fertilizers and pesticides. These illegal products hurt farm productivity, and essentially robs our farmers of their limited funds,” Estrada said.

The confiscated fertilizer, equipment, and vehicles are now under FPA custody while authorities prepare criminal charges against Delos Santos for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 1144, which created the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.